The signing of Kleyn - who would be seen as a project player and will qualify to play for Ireland after completing his three-year residency - would have to be approved by the IRFU but Munster are confident of getting the deal over the line.

Opposite

Rassie Erasmus. Picture credit: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Another South African who is going the opposite way is winger Gerhard van der Heever, who is reported to have signed with Japanese side Yamaha Jubilo.

Meanwhile, Munster have confirmed that three members of Ireland's U-20 squad that reached last month's World Cup final will join theirs Academy. Shane Daly, Sean O'Connor and Vincent O'Brien will enter in year one.

There was no place for tighthead prop Ben Betts or back-row Kelvin Browne but Munster have stressed that further additions can still be made.

Despite another impressive season with Cork Con, Tomás Quinlan has left the province, while the departures of Jack Cullen (London Scottish) and Ryan Foley means that Munster are now without a recognised scrum-half in their Academy.